There are a lot of things that can keep us up at night. Maybe you had a cup of coffee too late in the day, or maybe you’re just anxious about an upcoming event. Sometimes, it can be tough to get a good night’s rest.
One natural way to help promote sleep is by using essential oils. Essential oils are concentrated forms of aromatic compounds found in plants. When used properly, they can provide a host of benefits, including helping you to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Here, we discuss four essential oils that can help promote sleep, use them, and what to look for when purchasing essential oils.
1. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is one of the most popular and well-studied essential oils for sleep.
In a 2016 study, researchers looked at the effects of lavender oil on 52 participants. The participants were asked to apply lavender oil to their temples and wrists before bed. The researchers found that participants who used the lavender oil had significantly better sleep quality than those who didn’t.
How to use it:
To use lavender oil for sleep, add a few drops to your pillow or diffuser before bedtime. You can also dilute the oil with a carrier oil and apply it to your chest or temples.
2. Chamomile Oil
Chamomile oil is another popular essential oil for sleep. Chamomile is a type of herb that has been used for centuries to help with anxiety and insomnia. It is made from the flower of the chamomile plant. Chamomile oil has a sweet, floral smell and is very calming. Chamomile oil is often used in aromatherapy to help with sleep and anxiety.
How to use it:
Chamomile oil can be used in a diffuser or added to a bath before bed. You can also add a few drops of chamomile oil to a cotton ball and place it near your pillow.
3. Peppermint Oil
Another natural way to get better sleep is by using peppermint oil. This oil is great for people who have trouble sleeping due to various respiratory problems like congestion, sinusitis, and allergies. Peppermint oil can also help relieve headaches and migraines.
How to use it:
Like the previous oils we’ve discussed, you can add a few drops of peppermint oil to your diffuser. You can also add it to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam or apply it topically on your chest and temples.
4. Ylang Ylang Oil
Lastly, we have Ylang Ylang oil. Ylang Ylang oil is a very popular essential oil often used in aromatherapy. This oil has a sweet, floral scent that boosts mood and promotes relaxation.
How to use it:
Add a few drops of Ylang Ylang oil to your diffuser or apply it topically on your neck and wrists. You can also add it to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam.
Conclusion
These are just some of the essential oils that can help promote sleep. If you have trouble sleeping, don’t hesitate to give these oils a try. You might be surprised at how well they work.